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Bonifacio hopes to be back in a month

Bonifacio hopes to be back in a month

MIAMI -- Emilio Bonifacio remains hopeful that his recovery time will be closer to four weeks than six weeks.

The Marlins center fielder underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb on Friday. He was given a four-to-six week recovery time.

Next week, Bonifacio will have the stitches removed, which means he will be able to start doing some exercises for the thumb and hand. On Wednesday, he started doing some running for the first time since the surgery.

"The stitches come out next week," said Bonifacio, who has been on the disabled list since May 20, retroactive to May 19. "Then I can start moving it and doing exercises."

Bonifacio jammed his thumb while attempting to steal second base in Cleveland on May 18. It was the only time this season he was caught stealing.

Bonifacio still leads the Major Leagues with 20 stolen bases. Now, Jose Reyes is second with 15.

Surgery went well, and Bonifacio is confident he could be back in four weeks.

"I hope," he said. "As long as I have a full recovery and it's strong."